Careers Service

Part-time jobs

Vacancies at SOAS

The Widening Participation section of the Academic Development Directorate is involved in a number of Student Ambassador projects throughout the year across London. If you are interested in encouraging under-represented groups to progress to higher education through activities such as mentoring and taster days for school children, please contact the Widening Participation Team for more details on wpteam@soas.ac.uk.

Contact the SOAS Students' Union to see if they are hiring in the Student Shops at either the Russell Square or Vernon Square campuses.

University of London Temp Agency

The Temp Agency is a professional recruitment agency offering a specialised and tailored service to both students and employers. They place students in both temporary and permanent positions working with The University of London, its associated Colleges and institutes as well as with external businesses. Our aim is to provide a personal and high quality employment solution for students and employers.

Local leisure centres, hospitals and business/retail parks are also worth trying. Search your local telephone directory or the Yellow Pages.

Retailers/Restaurants - Many of these types of jobs are seasonal, so think about the time of year and which roles companies may be recruiting. Most will be recruiting extra staff to cope with the Christmas rush; tourist attractions will be recruiting extra staff to help them over the Easter and summer periods.

Some common types of student jobs

Hospitality and catering

Many hospitality and catering jobs are recruited through agencies. The agencies below recruit students on an on-going basis:

Admiral – Hospitality recruitment company supplies staff to hotels, restaurants, promotion companies and blue chip businesses. They recruit chefs, waiting and entry level staff. Work is flexible with hours to suit. Some jobs require experience; all positions require pre-screening. Candidates provide their own uniforms and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Michael Wisher and Associates Ltd – Leading events, personnel and hospitality company with current clients including Chelsea Flower Show, Chelsea Football Club, Ascot Racecourse and Harlequins Rugby Club. A very good standard of English is required. Pay starts at £5.50/h. Proof of identity will be required at interview (e.g. a valid passport). To apply, download an application form from their site and send in the relevant documents to get the process moving quickly.

Sales, marketing and promotions

This area of work can include handing out flyers in public places or telemarketing. Larger marketing companies often recruit students for part-time work. Search the Yellow Pages for details of companies and contact them directly. Flyering work is often handled by direct marketing companies who recruit students on an on-going basis. Examples of these kinds of companies:

Link Communication – Youth culture/student specialist direct marketing company has positions for flyer distributors. The job involves a combination of hand-to-hand flyering and coverage through a range of locations. Hours are casual and no more than 10h/week. Applicants should be reliable, available and willing to work. Knowledge of city centre and student areas is helpful. Own transport is a bonus, but not essential. £7.50/h minimum.

Tutoring and Teaching

Many students find part-time work as tutors. Contact your local school to find out if they recommend tutors to parents. You can also register with tutoring agencies, such as Any Subject, Personal Tutors and London Home Tutors.

Using your language skills

SOAS Careers Service has an information sheet listing recruitment agencies interested in recruiting people who are fluent with different languages, including languages taught at SOAS. Please pop in and pick up your copy. Also consider offering interpreting services at hospitals, clinics and community centres. Search your local telephone directory or the Yellow Pages.